These thermocouples can handle the pressure
The new generation of TC921 and 924 thermocouples (photo) enables safe and reliable plant control in applications involving excessive pressure, such as for production of plastics. For example, the high-pressure production of polyethylene involves temperatures of approximately 650°C and pressures up to 4,500 bar. For handling such extremes, the thermocouples are configured in a special manner. The metallic-sealing connection is realized with either a high-pressure connector (as in the TC921) or with the use of “sealing lenses” (TC924), which have proven operating records in applications involving pressures up to 5,000 bar. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-400
This package offers more than just temperature control
The EZ-ZONE ST integrated control loop (photo) combines temperature control, power control, safety shutdown and power disconnect in a single package. It features a PID temperature controller that is connected to a high-amperage, solid-state relay, and has the option of adding a properly sized heat sink, current measurement, definite purpose mechanical contactor, an over/under temperature limit and digital communications. The user can also add a remote-user interface. This integrated control loop can be used in temperature controlling applications, such as plastics processing, packaging, environmental chambers, semiconductor processing, analytical instrumentation and general equipment use. — Watlow, St. Louis, Mo.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-331
Perform fast UV-VIS analyses with this spectrometer
The OMA-405 (photo) is a rack-mounted ultraviolet-visible process spectrometer, which features a diode-array detector. The analyzer contains no moving parts and is designed for applications that require fast, reliable and maintenance-free monitoring of concentrations. Typical applications include: monitoring of Clâ‚‚; trace impurities; metal ions; sulfur- and nitrogen-based compounds; and clean-in-place solutions. Spectra are recorded by the 1,023–element diode array over the wavelength from 190 to 800 nm with a resolution of 1 nm. The analyzer is controlled via an embedded Windows XP industrial computer with touch-screen interface. Output signals include 4–20 mA, RS232 and Modbus (TPC/IP, Ethernet, serial). — Applied Analytics, Inc., Maynard, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-402
A very large atomizer for spray-drying applications
With production capacities in excess of 135 m.t./h, the new F1000 (photo) is claimed to be the world’s largest atomizer for spray drying operations. The unit is especially suitable for applications in the chemical industry as well as for flue-gas desulfurization in power plants. The F1000 offers a larger version of proven technology. Rotary atomizers are said to be reliable, flexible, easy to operate and require very little maintenance. Meanwhile, they can handle a wide range of feed materials, including solutions, suspensions, emulsions and pastes. The F1000 will allow designers to achieve the required processing capacities within a single unit, thus significantly simplifying the plant design, reducing maintenance costs and making the best possible use of the space available, says the manufacturer. — Niro A/S, Soeborg, Denmark
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-403
This compression packing is flexible and abrasion resistant
This company’s Style 1965 Compression Packing (photo) combines abrasion resistance, a high-degree of flexibility and easy handling. Style 1965 is easy to cut, form into rings and to install. This packing protects rotating equipment’s critical components from abrasive media, which can reduce maintenance expenditures. Style 1965 is also shock resistant, withstanding cavitations, pressure surges, and other system disruptions. The packing is contamination-free to keep end products and pump areas clean. — Garlock Sealing Technologies, Palmyra, N.Y.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-332
Improved capabilities are featured in this control system
This integrated product control system is designed to handle everything from small-scale factories to the largest of plants. Previous releases of CENTUM CS 3000 R3, include an input/output system that reduces the installation footprint and is compatible with an assortment of field networks such as Foundation Fieldbus, HART, Profibus, DeviceNet and Ethernet, a new controller and a 1 GB broadband control and information Ethernet network. The recently released Version 3.07 includes enhancements in control functions, operation and monitoring functions, engineering functions, Fieldbus functions, system integration (see CE May 2006, p.28), sequence of events management integrated with the system and migration capability. — Yokogawa Corp. of America, Newnan, Ga.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-333
These vacuum stations are self-contained
The Electric Vac-Pack Stations (photo) include a dry, oil-free vacuum pump, a reservoir, gauges, red and green indicator lights, and a pendent control with an attach and release switch. Featuring energy-saver circuitry, the pumps shut off automatically when the proper vacuum is reached and stays constant above a preset level. Available with 1.5-, 3-, and 5-HP motors, the Electric Vac-Pak Stations can reach a 24 in. Hg vacuum with 24, 50 or 75 scfm, respectively. Standard features include a power on-off switch with thermal overloads on the pump and motor and an adjustable low-vacuum warning horn. — Anver Corp., Hudson, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-334
This disperser blends high-viscosity materials
The High Viscosity Disperser is designed to mix and blend high-viscosity, non-flowing materials. Applications include pigmented pastes, inks, epoxies, polyesters and colorants. These models are available with a conventional “bow tie” as well as a four-blade, 45-degree turbine. All units include stainless-steel type 304 wetted parts, hydraulic lifts, stainless-steel shaft guards and explosion-proof safety switches. Optional features include vacuum or atmospheric covers and mix cans with features, such as jackets for heating or cooling, discharge valves and caster wheels. — Charles Ross and Son Co., Hauppauge, N.Y.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-335
Its new design makes this disperser easier to clean
The Dispershear (photo) is designed to meter a controlled feed of solid powders into a measured flow of liquid to produce a completely mixed dispersion with a residence time of 0.2 s. This system is effective on carbomers, natural-gum thickeners, cellulosic thickeners, and all powders that contribute significant viscosity in their dispersed form. The Model D-6000 Dispershear has incorporated ten changes that improve its cleanability and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The re-designed powder-feeder section features a quick-disconnect, bayonet-style coupling to the drive shaft that allows the feed auger to be removed with just a quick turn of the wrist. The drive end of the Dispershear feeder is sealed, allowing wet cleaning of the entire hopper. The auger has been shortened to avoid accumulation of powders above the wet mixing area, where hot vapors are now allowed to escape without causing any condensation on the end of the auger. These and other design improvements make the machine more applicable to sanitary applications. — ARDE Barinco, Inc., Norwood, N.J.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-336
These surfactants now meet European detergent regulations
Tergitol L Series nonionic surfactants have recently passed OECD 301 ready biodegradability screening tests and comply with the biodegradability criteria as defined in the Detergent Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. The biodegradability of these products, coupled with their low, acute environmental and mammalian toxicity, means that they carry no European hazard classification. Applications for Tergitol L Series surfactants include cleaning products, food processing and washing, water treatment, metal working, paper processing and others where defoaming, wetting and emulsifying are desired. — The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-337
Measure the differential pressure of hydrogen
The Model 5000 wet/wet differential-pressure sensor (photo) offers users a safe way to measure the differential pressure of hydrogen and other gases. This sensor does not contain internal O-rings or fluid-filled cavities, eliminating the chance of hydrogen permeation or system contamination from silicone oil. The diaphragm is constructed of 316L stainless-steel wetted materials that resist hydrogen embrittlement. This design also provides over-range and burst protection of 5 times the rated line pressure or 2,000 psi, whichever is less. — American Sensor Technologies, Mt. Olive, N.J.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-338
Remove trace oils from water with this product
This product uses a biotechnology process that attacks and removes trace oils from water. The PetroPuck (photo), in tablet form, degrades hydrocarbons, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, motor oil, heating oil, lubricating oil, crude oil and paraffin. The pucks are designed to consume any oil left in a tank after a “bulk” oil-removal system, such as an oil skimmer, is used. In a typical application, a belt oil skimmer would remove floating oils and the PetroPuck would remove the residual oils that are in solution. The user would add one puck with a teaspoon of nutrient to tanks that have a constant flow. The pucks’ time-released, non-toxic bacteria will break down and consume the oil, which is reduced to COâ‚‚ and water. A single puck treats 1,000 gallons of fluid. Ideal conditions are a water temperature of 41–113°F and a pH of 6.5–8.5. The complete kit comes with pH testers and nutrients. — Abanaki Corp., Cleveland, Ohio
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-339
Control moisture in compressed-air lines with this system
The Freedom Dryer Blast Pak Air-Drying System (photo) controls moisture in compressed-air lines with low, system pressure drop. Because it needs no electricity, the Blast Pak System is portable and safe for use in hazardous areas. The only required maintenance is daily draining and occasional addition of desiccant. — Van Air Systems, Lake City, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-340
These systems are tailored to refineries & petrochemical plants
The KA-XP Series turbine oil-conditioning systems (photo) apply coalescing/separating technology to keep turbines that drive critical, rotating equipment running. By maintaining minimum particulate and water content and being able to handle sudden water ingressions, each system aids the operation of equipment and processes. The KA-XP, explosion-proof systems are flowrated from 1 to 135 gal/min and are suitable for reservoirs from a few gallons up to 12,000 gal. The combination of multi-layered, pleated coalescers and separators keep particulate levels to 16/14/11 per ISO 4406, and total water to below 100 ppm. — Kaydon Custom Filtration, LaGrange, Ga.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-341
Enhance worker safety with this dust collection system
The Bag Dump Dust Collection System (photo, p. 42D-7), designed to work with this company’s Bag Dumper, improves particulate containment by providing substantial vacuum below the bag dump screen, rather than above. This pulls dust down and away from the operator, greatly improving airborne particulate flow into the collection system’s filters. The Dust Collection System features 304 stainless-steel construction, a hinged load door with dual-gas shock lifts, heavy-duty fan assembly, dual non-woven, spun-bond polyester cartridge filters and an integrated pulse cleaning system. — Sweco, Florence, Ky.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-342
These units mix water and steam to the right temperature
This electronically actuated 3–port mixing valve provides accurate process-water temperature control. The combination of the 3–port mixing valve, electronic actuator and integrated temperature probe, yields a stand-alone, water temperature-control solution. The MegaMix (photo, p. 42D-7) can also interface with an automation system for remote control and monitoring. Available in sizes from 0.75 to 3 in., the MegaMix can handle flowrates from 1 to over 600 gal/min. — Armstrong International, Inc., Three Rivers, Mich.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-343
These feeder systems save space and cost
The Loss-In-Weight (LIW) Feeder System (photo) is a single unit that combines a refill hopper and feeder. This integrated refill-hopper and feeder design eliminates the need for a connecting interface and its related valves and seals, as well as their additional cost. At 10 to 12 ft in height, these systems are also shorter than typical, comparable systems. — Vibra Screw, Inc., Totowa, N.J.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-345
Manual stackers provide an alternative to forklifts
Regal Manual Stackers can be used for low-volume-stacking and load-transporting applications. These units are available in 2 models. The “Fork Over” design works with open-bottom pallets or skids, while the “ Straddle” style accommodates any pallet or skid, even those with closed bottoms. Lifting heights up to 66 in. can be obtained with a capacity of 1,000 lb. The phenolic casters have a safety lock for unattended loads. Fork carriages feature a load backrest and the high-visibility mast is shrouded with a view-thru mesh safety screen. — Presto Lifts Inc., Attleboro, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-344
Identify hoses with this marking system
The Page-Ident is an easy-to-read, hose-identification marking system that features a permanently secured, clear silicone sleeve with encapsulated data inside of it. The Page-Ident marker can be applied over a variety of hose covers including silicone, stainless steel, polypropylene, rubber, Kynar and PEEK. Idents are permanently molded to the hose cover, are free of metal and are resistant to most cleaning methods, including sterilization, steam-in-place (SIP), chemical clean-in-place (CIP) and autoclaving. — Parker/Page International Hose, Fort Worth, Tex.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-346
Reduce pressure with these regulators
This high-pressure and high-flow pressure reducing regulator is designed for a maximum inlet pressure of 5,000 psi and outlet pressures up to 3,500 psi. The high-flow capacity of the Model 4013 makes it a good choice for fast-fill applications including natural gas, compressed air, nitrogen and other fluids. Materials of construction include brass and stainless steel with PEEK and Buna soft goods. — Precision Fluid Controls, Inc., Auburn, Calif.
These thermocouples can handle the pressure
The new generation of TC921 and 924 thermocouples (photo) enables safe and reliable plant control in applications involving excessive pressure, such as for production of plastics. For example, the high-pressure production of polyethylene involves temperatures of approximately 650°C and pressures up to 4,500 bar. For handling such extremes, the thermocouples are configured in a special manner. The metallic-sealing connection is realized with either a high-pressure connector (as in the TC921) or with the use of “sealing lenses” (TC924), which have proven operating records in applications involving pressures up to 5,000 bar. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-400
Safety CPUs that educate themselves
With the introduction of new CPUs (rated for SIL 3/ Category 4) and new communication modules, this firm has expanded its product portfolio of H41q/H51q safety controllers. The CPUs (photo) enable self-education in a redundant system. When a CPU is replaced (which is possible while the plant is still operating) data and programs are automatically copied from the new CPU, which means that the CPUs do not have to be manually reconciled anymore. This serves to simplify handling and avoiding faults. The total system is also able to meet the requirements up to SIL 3, even while a replacement is in progress. The new CPUs also feature reload functions, which allow program changes to be made without stopping the system, and a fast error localization provided by a high diagnosis-detection rate. Two new communication modules are also introduced, which can be used to program the CPUs with ELOP II via Ethernet. This eliminates the need for an additional RS 485 programming bus. — HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH & Co. KG, Brühl, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-401
Perform fast UV-VIS analysis with this process spectrometer
The OMA-405 (photo) is a rack-mounted ultraviolet-visible process spectrometer, which features a diode-array detector. The analyzer contains no moving parts and is designed for applications that require fast, reliable and maintenance-free monitoring of concentrations. Typical applications include: monitoring of Cl2; trace impurities; metal ions; sulfur- and nitrogen-based compounds; and clean-in-place solutions. Spectra are recorded by the 1,023-element diode array over the wavelength from 190 to 800 nm with a resolution of 1 nm. The analyzer is controlled via an embedded Windows XP industrial computer with touch-screen interface. Output signals include 4–20 mA, RS232 and Modbus (TPC/IP, Ethernet, serial). — Applied Analytics, Inc., Maynard, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-402
A very large atomizer for spray-drying applications
With production capacities in excess of 135 m.t./h, the new F1000 (photo) is claimed to be the world’s largest atomizer for spray drying operations. The unit is especially suitable for applications in the chemical industry as well as for flue-gas desulfurization in power plants. The F1000 offers a larger version of proven technology. Rotary atomizers are said to be reliable, flexible, easy to operate and require very little maintenance. Meanwhile, they can handle a wide range of feed materials, including solutions, suspensions, emulsions and pastes. The F1000 will allow designers to achieve the required processing capacities within a single unit, thus significantly simplifying the plant design, reducing maintenance costs and making the best possible use of the space available, says the manufacturer. — Niro A/S, Soeborg, Denmark
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-403
This clamp-on flowmeter doesn’t mind if the pipe is hot
The WaveInjector (photo) was engineered to extend the temperature range of the firm’s Flexus ADM clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter. A non-intrusive flow measurement is now possible at temperatures up to 400°C, even in explosive (ATEX-certified) atmospheres. When mounted with the WaveInjector, the flow transducers send the sound signals into the hot pipe via optimized metallic coupling plates. The coupling plates reduce the temperature so that high-temperature transducers are not required, while a metal foil ensures good acoustical contact between the coupling plate and the hot pipe. — FLEXIM Flexible Industriemesstechnik GmbH, Berlin, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-404
Reduce pump’s energy consumption with this variable speed drive
Employing pump sets whose flowrate can be matched to actual requirements could help save companies billions of kilowatt hours of energy per year, says the firm. The new PumpDrive (photo) is a motor-mounted, variable-speed drive for centrifugal pumps. The unit’s “piggyback” design offers a number of advantages, including: space-saving installation; no need for a control cabinet; simplified cabling; and ease of commissioning. Unlike ready to use integral motors, the PumpDrive allows integration of all motor brands specified in plant-owners’ work standards. — KSB AG, Frankenthal, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-405
No matter how large the diameter, this seal is leak-free
Introduced at Achema, Pecody is a dynamic compression cartridge seal that is especially suitable for very large-diameter sealing applications, which normally require complex and expensive mechanical seals, says Lammy’s export manager Christian Besse. The cost is about half that of a mechanical seal, and a completely leak-free seal is achieved, he adds. The Pecody handles slow rotation speeds (<2 m/s), pressures from vacuum up to 100 bar, and temperatures from –100 to 300°C, and the diameter size is unlimited. Typical applications include mixers (including those handling nuclear waste and cement), reactors, sterilizers, and horizontal dryers (including those handling abrasive powders). — Latty International S.A., Orsay, France
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-406
Only one hand is needed to measure surface free energy
The MobileDrop contact angle measuring instrument (photo) features a prism optics system to ensure a sharp image of the drop contour. Drop deposition with different liquids allows the surface free energy and its polar and dispersive fractions to be determined in a short time. The video camera is transferred to a PC notebook for performing the analysis of the drop shape and calculating the contour angles and surface energies with DSA2 software. The device is packaged in an ergonomic housing and can be operated with one hand. — Krüss GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-407
New releases of biotech software
With the release of PAS-X PHARMA V2.3 and PAS-BIOTECH V2.2, users now have additional support for integrating and using mobile devices. Because PAS-X is based on the current version of Windows Mobile 5.0 (operating system Windows CE.NET), the software’s functions are now available on pocket PC or PDA basis. Both products migrate to the database Oracle 10g, which has many enhancements such as scalability, high level of availability and administration. With a single sign-on function, users only have to authenticate once in order to use all services and product components they are authorized to access. Card-reader devices and biometric methods, such as fingerprinting, can now be used for authentification. Other new functions include those for creating and maintaining recipies (Master Batch Records Management) and the associated approval workflow. — Werum Software & Systems AG, Lueneburg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-408
Analyze up to 16 gas measurements with this unit
Regard 3900 (photo) is a modular, stand-alone analysis unit designed for use with gas-monitoring systems. The unit is capable of processing signals from as many as 16 transmitters (4–20 mA), and displays the measured values and alarms. If the configurable alarm limits are exceeded, audible or visual alarms can be activated via a relay. When combined with the company’s transmitters, the Regard 3900 provides a complete system for monitoring toxic and combustible gases and vapors. The unit’s IP 65 housing can be virtually anywhere. — Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA, Lübeck, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-409
Stir up to six reactions at the same time with this unit
The Tornado IS6 (photo) is a relatively new accessory for this company’s Carousel 6 Reaction Station that facilitates powerful, controlled stirring of up to six reactions (50–250 mL) in parallel. Built to seamlessly integrate with all leading brands of overhead stirrer, the Tornado evenly distributes high torque to all positions of the Carousel 6. The result is productive overhead stirring, even when faced with highly viscous liquids. The Tornado can stir reaction mixtures of up to 10,000 cps at 500 rpm, and the system is also suitable for dispersing solids in lower viscosity liquids at speeds of up to 1,000 rpm. Built to minimize setup time, the Tornado features an easy-to-use “Pinch Grip” for fast, reliable, overhead stirrer shaft insertion. — Radleys Discovery Technology, Saffron Walden, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-410
The advantages of forced feeding
Instead of relying on gravity to feed granulators, this patent-pending device evenly and horizontally feeds material to the grinding rotor using a screw conveyor system. Compared to traditional configurations, the new method is said to increase throughput by 30 to 50%, reduces the generation of fines and dust, and prevents flyback. Because a smaller feed port is needed, acoustic emissions are also reduced, compared to conventional belt or manual feeding units, says the firm. — Herbold Meckesheim GmbH, Meckesheim, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-411
Keep dust under control with this bag-filtration system
The Aer-Bag bag filter system is suitable for centralized dedusting of various production machines in a wide range of industrial processes. The system is said to be the ideal solution for problem-free removal of large quantities of dry and free-flowing dusts. The unit’s large filtration area is kept clean by reverse-flow air cleaning. Units are sized to meet the needs of a given process. — Aeron S.r.l., Cernusco Lombardone, Italy
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-412
Steam-sterilizable separators for lab to production
An improved range of steam-sterilizable separators was launched at Achema. The separators cover the entire range from small (CSC6; 50–150 L/h), pilot (CSC; 250–400 L/h) to large, industrial-scale applications (CSC 170; up to 10,000 L/h). The nozzle-type HFC 15 (photo) is the smallest (800–2,000 L/h) separator of the company’s Viscon technology. The Viscon nozzle automatically changes its throughput to ensure a constant solid concentration in the discharge. With their “hydrohermetic feed,” the steam-sterilizable separators all provide extremely gentle product treatment and hygienic design. The units are supplied as a function-tested, turnkey package with full steam sterilization, which eliminates the risk of recontamination. Other methods only sterilize certain areas, such as the bowl, says the firm. — Westfalia Separator AG, Oelde, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-413
This very large drum mixer has no moving parts
With a production volume of 25,000 L and a weight of 20 m.t., this new mixer (photo) is claimed to be the world’s largest horizontal drum mixer. Two units have already been installed in France and Canada for handling granular products in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The mixer’s rotating drum is fitted with internal tapered scoops, which induce a gentle 3D figure eight flow pattern. After a set mixing time is achieved, an outlet valve opens to allow the product to flow out of the mixer. Because there are no moving parts inside the mixer, no energy, frictional heat or shear forces are directed onto the product. — Lindor Products B.V.,
Dordrecht, Netherlands
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-414
A smart controller for pneumatic on/off valves
Neles SwitchGuard is an intelligent controller for pneumatic on/off valves. Designed to meet the requirements of process-critical switching operations, SwitchGuard is especially suitable for high-cycling applications where reliability and large capacity are demanded. The diagnostic features of the controller enable users to “see” what’s happening inside the valve, by looking at parameters such as friction and pneumatics failure; this information can be used to identify a potential problem before it becomes serious. SwitchGuard can also be used to control valve opening and closing with ramp profiles. — Metso Automation Oy, Helsinki, Finland
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-415
A fast way to process microscopic images
Digital microscopy and image-processing technologies reduce the effort required for manual and visual tasks when performing quality assurance analysis. A new analySIS family of specialized image-processing solutions (photo) has been introduced for materials inspection applications. This collection of software and imaging systems ranges from basic image acquisition and documentation software through to complete automatic inspection systems. For example, using analySIS start, perfect images are acquired, particles are counted, dimensions are measured, or distances are calculated at the push of a button. With analySIS pro, complex image-analysis tasks are performed automatically. New techniques are included for tracking objects or for particle analysis, using line-intercept methodology. — Olympus Life and Material Sicence Europa GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-416
This rotory vane pump does not need a gearbox
Pressures up to 14 bar are possible with the new LVP rotary vane pump, launched at Achema. The LPV, which is available in 316 stainless steel with carbon-filled PEEK blades, is designed to handle corrosive liquids of low viscosity (1–500 cSt) at temperatures of –50 to 260°C as well as flowrates up to 45 m3/h. The pump’s wide inlet port allows it to run at motor speeds, without the need for a gearbox, at flowrates of 30 m3/h. Narrow running clearances give the pump a high volumetric efficiency, and the entire casing is hardened to Rockwell C to better resist wear, says the company. — Viking Pump, Inc., Cedar Falls, Iowa
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-417
Get the right dose with this pulsation-free pump
The compact AccuLobe dosing pump, launched at Achema, is specifically designed to reduce overfill costs and eliminate maintenance costs. The pump is suitable for the packaging of liquid pharmaceutical products, portion-packing of food products, laboratory dosing and batching, and for filling bottles. The pump has a displacement of 0.02 liters per revolution and a maximum flow of 35 L/min at up to 12 bar pressure. All wetted parts are made of 316L stainless steel, and the pump has EHEDG certification for CIP cleanability. The pump’s multi-lobe rotors are said to provide greater accuracy and lower pulsation compared to competitor’s pumps. — Johnson Pump (UK) Ltd., Eastbourne, England
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-420
Keep temperature under control with this system
The Haake DynaMax temperature-control system (photo, p. 42I-11) is said to dissipate heat from exothermic reactions much faster than other products in this class. Suitable for critical laboratory and pilot applications, the system was developed to provide high performance and safety with lower maintenance requirements. In addition to fast heating and cooling rates, the system can maintain precise temperatures over a wide range. The units can be used for jacketed reactors, large rotary evaporators, reaction calorimeters, fermenters, and for cooling analytical equipment. — Thermo Electron Corp., Newington, N.H.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-421
A device to measure O2 in hazardous areas
The 5100 i.s. is a portable, intrinsically-safe oxygen analyzer to replace the 570A hazardous-area analyzer, while an infrared version is claimed to be the first intrinsically safe IR device to provide a single percentage measurement for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or methane. Considerably smaller than the 570A, the 5100 i.s. uses non-depleting magneto-dynamic paramagnetic or IR sensing technologies (depending on the gas being detected) to ensure high reliability and low cost of ownership. — Servomex GmbH, Hamm, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-419
A new software version for plotting data
SigmaPlot 10 is the latest version of this scientific graphing and data-analysis package, which features new graphing options and many workflow efficiency improvements. For example, new 3D mesh plots (photo, p. 42I-8), including the contours, enhance the visualization of 3D data sets by projecting values on either of the xy planes. The curve-fitting engine has also been enhanced, and a new Dynamic Fit Wizard complements the Regression Wizard to find the best solution to difficult curve-fitting problems. A new ROC Curve Analysis Module can be used to help determine the best clinical test, and 12 new probability functions are available for calculating hypothesis tests. — Systat Software GmbH, Erkrath, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-418
This firm can help keep turbo drives operating
The proper maintenance overhauling and repair of drive components are the focus of a new service concept for turbo couplings. The project comprises more than 150 individual measures. The main points are a faster worldwide spare-parts supply, the optimization of repair management and the strengthening of local service competency for the entire plant. For example, a “Health Check” of the complete drive train (where vibration, temperature and pressure are analyzed) significantly minimizes the risk of costly, unplanned outages, says the firm. To optimize spare-part inventory on the customer’s site, an additional measure provides a targeted supply of critical and long lead-time spare parts. — Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG, Crailsheim, Germany
Vibrations from rotating equipment are routinely analyzed for condition monitoring. Now, the vibrational energy can also be “harvested” and used to power wireless and battery-free devices capable of sending large amounts of data from industrial equipment, using a microgenerator developed at the University of Southampton (U.K.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-533) and commercialized by Perpetuum Ltd. (Southamptom, U.K.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-534). The PMG7 microgenerator converts kinetic energy from the vibration of equipment running at the electrical-mains frequency (50 or 60 Hz) into electrical energy.
The device consists of a micro-machined silicon spring beam with magnets, which oscillates at the resonance frequency of the required application. As the spring beam oscillates, an alternating current is induced in coils, and the current can then be conditioned for operating a sensor or a device. The PMG7 can generate up to 5 mW of power, which is sufficient to supply a wireless transmitter sending up to 6 Kbytes of data every few minutes, says Perpetuum CEO Roy Freeland. Smaller amounts of data, such as a temperature reading, can be transmitted several times a second, he adds.
Prototypes have successfully undergone field tests by the U.S. Navy, an international oil company and Yorkshire Water in the U.K. And, RLW Inc. (State College, Pa.) has selected the microgenerator to power its S5NAP wireless sensor nodes, which are used for condition-based maintenance applications. Such devices perform machine health monitoring and provide health-status messages, remotely. Incorporation of the microgenerator eliminates the need for batteries or external power, and offers a maintenance-free source of perpetual power, says Freeland.
Dow Chemical Co. (Midland, Mich.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-541) has launched Infuse olefin-block copolymers (OBC), a new family of olefin elastomers, which deliver improved properties (including abrasion resistance and high-temperature performance), and processing capabilities (such as faster set-up in processing for reduced cycle times). Infuse OBCs were developed using Dow’s single-site (Insite) technology (CE, June 1997, p. 37); a catalyst system was developed that allows for control of the molecular architecture required to produce the olefin-block structure in a continuous process. Infuse will enable olefin elastomers to further expand into a wide range of applications, including: flexible molded goods; extruded profile products; hoses and tubes; elastic fibers and films; foams; coated fabrics; adhesives and tapes. Plans for commercial production will be announced at a later date, says Dow.
Also last month, Dow entered into a joint research agreement with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6514-542) to further the development of OBCs. The agreement will combine Dow’s materials expertise with Mitsui’s catalyst know-how.